Mission Statement of the ILOTA

The Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA) is the official representative of the occupational therapy profession in the state of Illinois. ILOTA acknowledges and promotes professional excellence through a proactive, organized collaboration with occupational therapy personnel, the health care community, governmental agencies and consumers.

President:  Peggy Nelson

Oversees the current and future functions of the organization. Leads the board of directors to move the organization forward and ensuring the organization addresses the needs of the membership across the state. Follows and updates the organizational by-Laws to ensure continuity. Networks with the Presidents from neighboring state associations. Ensures state representation with the AOTA.

President Elect:

Spends 2 years shadowing the current president, participating in decision making and leadership in preparation for their tenure as president.

Secretary:  Lisa Iffland

Submits formal notes from all organizational meetings. Oversees the Archives.

Director of Finance:  Lisa Mahaffey

Organizes and manages budgetary information (manages accounting system, including but not limited to account coding, labeling of line items and proper assignment of debits and credits).

Director of Advocacy:  Rachel Dargatz

Oversees the advocacy of Occupational Therapy within the state seeking out barriers facing our profession including public policy and reimbursement. Collaborate with AOTA and state lobbyists to further promote and protect the role of occupational therapy.

Director of Membership:  Theresa McCarty-Oster

Addresses ways to increase and retain membership in order to safeguard the practice of Occupational Therapy practice in Illinois.  Oversees the professional development committee which organizes our annual conference.  Maintains the current membership database.

Director of Communications:  Carolyn Calamia

Oversees all communication methods provided by the organization including the Communiqué, SIS and district communications, website, list serve and discussion board.

You may email office@ilota.org to contact any of the board memebers. 

Office manager:  Jennifer Dang

Is typically the first contact to the organization. Communicates with the general public, members and directs communication to the appropriate resource.